It’s been delayed by Covid and contractor problems – but Malmaison York is on course to open this spring.
The 150-bedroom hotel will open after a multi-million pound transformation of Yorkshire House, the 1962-built former home to Aviva on Rougier Street.
It will boast the brand’s first SkyBar – on the roof. “Think luxurious and comfortable loungers, lanterns, beautiful trees, Champagne and food platters,” Malmaison says.
“Then add the stunning views of York Minster while watching the sunset and you’ll have the perfect foundation for a fantastic night out.”
There will also be the Chez Mal Brasserie – a restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and private dining.
And a spa, gym and on-site Starbucks add to the sense of luxury.
Concrete and confectionery
Designers have “taken inspiration from the city’s industrial heritage and brutalist architecture, mixing concrete and moody elements with softer textures and confectionery touch points”, with inspiration coming from Rowntree’s and Terry’s among others.
Work started on the former Aviva building in 2018, with a spokesman for the developers estimating at the time that it would be complete by the end of 2019.
But the project experienced setbacks caused by Leeds-based Broadley Group going into administration – followed by the Covid-19 crisis.
In April developer North Star announced it had taken charge to see the venture through to completion, working with the project funder Lothbury.